Seokwon held out his phone, the screen displaying the ranking of their song ‘Blue’ at number 41.
Just as the prophecy foretold, earning public acclaim, they debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 41.
“Hyung [older brother or male friend], I was right, wasn’t I? I said we’d be in the top 50.”
Unlike the triumphant Seokwon, Dohyun was in a daze.
Even PD [Production Director] Lee Junhyuk seemed surprised, remaining silent.
“Wow… it’s actually happening?”
Dohyun finally managed to say after a few seconds.
PD Lee Junhyuk echoed his sentiment, as if in agreement.
“So… it’s really happening. It was a song aimed at the English-speaking market, but… to debut at 41 on the Hot 100. And now, if radio DJs play it more and we increase the radio airplay score, the ranking could climb even higher….”
“That’s right… PD-nim [PD with honorific suffix]. I’m genuinely amazed that this is even possible… I’m getting goosebumps.”
Dohyun still felt like he was dreaming. It was something he and Seokwon had achieved, but it was hard to believe.
“Hyung, actually, I prepared something for this.”
Curious about what surprise Seokwon had prepared this time, Dohyun told him to take it out.
What came out of Seokwon’s bag was a bottle of whiskey.
“We have to have a celebration party, don’t we?”
“Whiskey of all things? Don’t you have a schedule tomorrow?”
“Nope. I’m coordinating this single’s schedule with Hyung’s company… If I had a schedule, I wouldn’t even think about drinking whiskey, would I?”
“Don’t you need ice? It’d be better to drink it slowly on the rocks.”
“We can just go to the convenience store and buy some ice! I’ll go get it!”
“Oh? Okay… go ahead.”
After Seokwon scurried out.
Dohyun and the PD didn’t exchange a single word.
It was PD Lee Junhyuk who broke the silence.
“Dohyun-ssi [Mr. Dohyun], congratulations.”
“PD-nim… thank you so much. I was able to get to this point thanks to you.”
As Dohyun was about to bring up fond old memories, the PD waved his hand in advance.
“Here you go again, trying to get lost in memories? There’s no need for that. It’s all thanks to Dohyun-ssi’s hard work that this was achieved.”
“Still, thank you. I’ve realized that I can grow even more through this opportunity. If the last Billboard Hot 100 was achieved through collaboration with Adion, a result of the Adion brand’s value… this time, it’s truly my name and Seokwon’s name. In a way, it’s an achievement made by us, who are foreigners in America.”
“That’s true. You’re right. The foreign press will also pay attention to the fact that it’s an achievement made by foreigners.”
“I can’t believe it. That I can achieve such a high ranking, breaking through all those talented singers to reach 41st place. If the ranking goes even higher from here, that would truly be breaking into the mainstream, so it feels even more amazing.”
PD Lee Junhyuk said that it was definitely possible, adding words that made Dohyun aware of his current position.
“Dohyun-ssi, you are a ‘Korean’ singer, but your influence transcends the entire world. There’s talk of stadium-level overseas tour schedules, isn’t there?”
That’s right. Huentertainment was booking stadiums while arranging Dohyun’s overseas tour schedule. The demand was more than enough. It was just that Dohyun himself couldn’t believe it, even though he could have believed it and become arrogant.
“…That’s right. A stadium. Actually, I thought it was amazing when I did a Tokyo Dome concert during the Japan tour, but American stadiums are really big. About 40,000 to 50,000 spectators come, and to think that there will be people coming to see me at that concert… it feels really amazing.”
“Let’s rejoice today. Let’s rejoice today and celebrate the stadium performance. The stadium story didn’t come out for no reason; you can prove it, Dohyun-ssi. You’re good at that, aren’t you? That kind of proof that I’m this good.”
“Well… I am good at it, aren’t I?”
Dohyun, who playfully responded to the PD’s compliment, smiled as if he found it funny himself.
[Hyung, I’m at the door. Please open it.]
Just in time, a message came from Seokwon. Dohyun said he would go out to pick up Seokwon for a moment.
Seokwon was holding two bags of ice in his arms.
“Aren’t you cold? Aren’t your hands cold?”
“Maybe it’s because I’m so excited right now. It feels cool, Hyung. Oh, and there were Hyung’s fans and my fans outside, and they sent their congratulations. I’m also amazed that they haven’t gone home yet… I only gave a brief thank you to the *sasaengs* [overly obsessive fans], but really… I’m starting to realize it little by little now. Tomorrow, no, today. Once the articles start coming out, I’ll definitely be able to feel it, right?”
“Of course. You’ll definitely feel it. I can’t believe it either, that you and I can achieve this.” At Dohyun’s words, Seokwon brought the cold ice pack to Dohyun’s face.
“Ah, cold.”
Dohyun suddenly felt like he was snapping out of it.
“Hyung. Do you feel a little more awake now?”
“Yeah… I guess this is why adults pinch themselves when they can’t believe if it’s a dream or reality. But I still feel dazed.”
“Hyung is someone who deserves to receive this. Thanks to you, I was also able to achieve good results.”
“Thank you, Seokwon-ah [Seokwon with affectionate suffix]. For trusting me and following me.”
“No, it’s nothing, Hyung. You built trust first. I will never forget the hand that you extended to the juniors first.”
* * *
Huentertainment first booked the stadium. Booking a stadium was also followed by fierce competition. After confirming the stadium performance in consultation with the US agency, Huentertainment announced the stadium performance schedule.
As it became known that Dohyun was performing at the stadium, enthusiastic responses from fans around the world followed.
[Is there anyone going to Dohyun’s stadium?]
How do I get tickets? Help me.
┗If you go to the tip board, you can find out how to get concert tickets from overseas sites.
┗┗Thank you.
[I’m definitely going to Dohyun’s stadium ㅠㅠ]
I just need the ticketing schedule ㅠㅠ Dohyun, I knew this day would come and I saved money….
┗Well done, our Honey [term of endearment for fans], lol. To be honest, Dohyun has so many things going on that I don’t know when it will come out, so it seems even more amazing. My singer seems cool, but there are so many things going on.
┗Then, Korean performances will be suspended while Dohyun is on overseas tour ㅠㅠ *Hingooripongpong* [onomatopoeia expressing sadness]
┗┗Ah, that’s right… Dohyun might do it if he makes up his mind… The problem is that it’s a schedule that puts a strain on Dohyun….
[I became a fan of Na Dohyun, do I just have to go to the stadium performance now?]
For reference, I’m a prospective Honey living in the US lol. I became a fan of Na Dohyun, and I have enough money to go to the stadium concert. I also have plane tickets lol. Do I just have to go and come back?
┗Wow! A Honey living in the US! I’m jealous! Yes, yes, Dohyun is sincere about his performances, so if you go to the performance, it will be really amazing. Besides, it’s the first time he’s entering the stadium! It’s the first time a top artist from our country is entering the stadium, so be sure to go see it!
* * *
I couldn’t believe it, even though the stadium news was reported through a press release distributed by the company.
I was dazed. ‘Blue,’ which I released with Seokwon, was gradually climbing up the Billboard Hot 100. The single, which started at 41st place, had already settled in at 12th place. Thanks to that, foreign media were paying a lot of attention to me. I heard that the participation rate of foreign media’s Korean branches was very high at the press conference scheduled to be held ahead of this stadium performance.
With such a happy occasion ahead, I bought a pizza with plenty of cheese and visited my grandfather’s grave. I had a feeling that my grandfather would be watching from afar and be pleased.
“Grandfather, I really can’t believe it. What are you thinking right now? I’m sad that you said you don’t appear in my dreams anymore.”
I muttered to myself. Hoping that my grandfather’s spirit would eat it, I placed a slice of pizza and a beer, and then I picked up the remaining pizza slices and chewed them.
Even though it was cold, it tasted good.
“Grandfather, I’m full of amazing things. Can such a thing happen in the world? I also think about this. Really, every single thing is amazing… How far ahead do you see my future? I only have the ability to see the near future. I’m curious about the future you see.”
After eating several slices of pizza, I was full. I also drank all the remaining canned beer that I had offered to my grandfather. I felt a little tipsy, and I felt good.
As I was moving away from my grandfather’s grave, my cell phone vibrated.
The main character of the contact was none other than Adion. Adion was calling.
I hadn’t been in touch recently because I was so busy. Adion was also digesting a huge schedule, so I actually thought we had drifted apart.
-Adion, what’s going on? Long time no see.
-Dohyun! First of all, congratulations on your good performance on the Billboard Hot 100. I listened to the music you and your junior made, and it was so good. Should I say I really fell in love with it? It seems like it was an opportunity to think about your spectrum once again.
-Thank you for the congratulations, Adion. Haha… I still can’t believe that it’s ranked high on the charts.
-I remember feeling like that at first too. Starting from the bubbling chart and climbing up in order, and finally reaching number one. I remember the feeling of becoming a rising star.
I moved to a nearby bench, thinking that I couldn’t walk while answering the phone.
-How was it? Back then.
-It was really amazing back then. I just felt like the whole world was mine, and I couldn’t believe it.
-I’m in that state right now.
-Now you are not just a Korean artist, but an artist for people all over the world. I hope you don’t forget that.
I laughed at Adion’s words. There was also laughter in Adion’s voice.
But one thing I’m curious about. The fact that he called me must be because he had something to say, not just a simple congratulatory greeting.
-I won’t forget it. By the way… Adion, I don’t think you contacted me just to say congratulations, right?
-That’s right. I’m contacting you to make an amazing offer. I want to tell you that I can adjust all my schedules for you.
-What does that mean?
-Ah. To explain it in detail… I know you’re going on a stadium tour in the US this time. Of course, I checked the articles that you’re also doing stadium-level tours in Europe, Asia, and other regions.
-Yeah. That’s right. It was quite difficult to book the stadium, but I confirmed the stadium tour.
-Especially, I heard that it’s your first stadium concert.
No way.
Could it be what I’m thinking?
I asked Adion.
-Don’t tell me… are you suggesting that you will participate as a guest at my concert this time?
-That’s right, my friend. I will adjust all my schedules for you.
-Oh my gosh. Adion…!